ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Armed men on New Year’s Eve stormed the palace of the Aniwo 1 of Aafin community, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting the monarch and one of his sons after a violent late-night raid.
The attack, which occurred around 8pm on Wednesday, was carried out by about eight gunmen who arrived at the palace firing gunshots and demanding to see the traditional ruler and his wife.
A family member who witnessed the incident said that panic gripped the palace as residents attempted to secure themselves after noticing suspicious movements outside the compound.
“Once I saw unusual movements, I alerted others inside. We started locking doors and switching off the lights, but when the attackers realised this, they began shooting heavily,” the source said.
According to the source, the assailants forced their way into the palace by breaking down doors with their weapons and repeatedly demanded to see the monarch.
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“They were about eight. I could see them clearly from where I was hiding. They broke into the palace with their guns and asked for Kabiesi. He eventually came out,” the source said.
During the invasion, the monarch’s wife, the Olori, was reportedly shot in the arm while the attackers were forcing entry into the palace. She was later rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The gunmen also abducted Olaolu, one of the monarch’s sons, who had emerged from hiding alongside the Olori in an attempt to prevent further bloodshed. Olaolu is currently serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“We were about 10 people in the palace for the holidays. Everyone was hiding. One of the sons came out with the queen because they were shooting and breaking doors,” the source explained.
The attackers were said to have been highly focused on the monarch and his wife, with the leader of the group reportedly speaking fluent English.
“Their leader spoke very good English. All they wanted was Kabiesi. Even after he came out, they kept asking for his wife,” the source added.
Local vigilantes were unable to repel the attack due to inadequate manpower.
“Only two vigilante members were on duty at the time. They could not match the firepower of the attackers,” the source said, adding that there has been no contact from the abductors since they left with the monarch and his son.
The incident was promptly reported to Owu Isin and Ijara Isin police divisions, as well as local security outfits in Ikosin. Traditional authorities in neighbouring communities were also informed.
Confirming the development, Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was aware of the incident but was still gathering full details.
“I will provide an update as soon as we receive comprehensive information,” she said.
The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun and surrounding rural communities.
In November, gunmen abducted the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, from his farm in the same local government area.
He was held for weeks before being released following negotiations and payment of ransom.
Security experts warn that persistent attacks on traditional rulers, worshippers, and rural settlements point to an expanding network of armed groups operating across forest-border communities linking Kwara with Niger and Kogi states, as well as internal flashpoints across Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti and Isin councils.